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Star center Steven Stamkos, making his triumphant return from a broken leg, came off the bench for the starting lineup wearing the "C" on his sweater, receiving a standing ovation before the game against the Sabres.

Stamkos, 24, was announced the new captain, taking over for Marty St. Louis, who was traded Wednesday to the Rangers.

"Steven Stamkos was destined to be the leader of our team," coach Jon Cooper said. "The fact it's happening now just puts us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal and that is trying to win the Stanley Cup."

Stamkos is the 10th captain in franchise history, a move that surprised nobody in the Tampa Bay Times Forum.